Escape The Ordinary

Top 5 Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica

The Nosara food scene may be small, but it’s chok-full of variety that’ll easily appeal to just about any cultural craving!

Italian, Mexican, American and Costa Rican restaurants alike are merely walking distance apart throughout the small beach town of Playa Guiones. Standing proudly as Costa Rica’s original melting pot for expats, this quaint little surf & yogi town showcases all the various Western eats one could possibly ask for, providing a hell of a lot more options for grub than that of the typical tourist scene.

Having frequented this beautiful little Guanacaste town myself for nearly 8 years now (Kelsey for 15+) we’ve decided to put together our own little Top-5 list of local favorites, well worth shakin’ a fork at on your next visit!

NUMERO CINQO (#5)

Rosie’s:

A perfect little breakfast/lunch spot located smack-dab in the heart of town, this locally owned and operated (and budget-friendly) café serves as the perfect starting point for a long day at the beach. Kick things off with a tall glass of freshly squeezed juice, and prepare yourself for a filling Costa Rican twist on momma’s cookin’.

**(There’s also a second location located in North Guiones).**

Kelsey’s Choice: A hearty- helping of (quite possibly) the biggest, fluffiest banana pancakes you ever set your sights on! Seriously folks – just one of these epic pillows of batter is more than enough to satisfy even the thickest of appetites.

Cam’s Choice: I typically like to keep things classy with a good ‘ole plate of Rosie’s infamous Huevos Rancheros. Throw in a few dabs of Lizano for that extra little kick in the arse, and you certainly won’t be disappointed!

NUMERO QUATTRO (#4)

Taco! Taco! :

Finally, an answer to our prayers – A budget-friendly Taco joint in Nosara!!

For those of you who really know us, you know just how much we FREAKING LOVE tacos!! Like seriously, its borderline obsessive…

Which is why, on our last 6-week stint through Nosara, we were beyond stoked to come across this newly plotted little slice of heaven!

Sitting at the very top of Playa Guiones’ main road, just in front of the infamous Coconut Harry’s Surf Shop, lies Taco! Taco! – a tiny little taco bar serving up locally drafted cervezas with specialty tacos that’ll blow the mustache right off your face! Make sure to come on Taco-Tuesdays (duhh) for live music, $2 tacos and buy-on-get-one-free margaritas.

Kelsey’s Choice: Tacos.

Cam’s Choice: What do you think? **(Quickest ways to my heart; Buy me a Taco. Make me a Taco. Be a Taco.)**

NUMERO TRES (#3)

“V” at Jungles Edge Surf & Yoga Hostel:

That’s right guys – just the letter “V”…

But don’t let the name fool you! This newly established restaurant whips up an extensive menu, showcasing a hell of a lot more than what its name implies! From an epic selection of various burrito’s and bowls, to a white wine pasta loaded with fresh grilled shrimp and veggies, this jaw-dropping, mouth-watering, borderline tear-jerking menu will absolutely BLOW YOUR MIND! And don’t get me started on the smoothies… Hands down the best I’ve ever had in MUH LIFE!!

Oh yeah – Did I mention that Kelsey’s family owns this epic little culinary compound? Or that my own brother happened to have written the menu?? But don’t let the family ties deter you from taking our credible word for it, this place is seriously incredible. And trust me, we’d have no problem telling you if it wasn’t…

The overall atmosphere at “V” is truly unique (to say the least). With an extremely laid-back, carefree vibe that runs highly off of a ‘tico-time’ approach, make sure you come prepared to sit back, make some friends and soak up the easy-going vibe of this truly distinctive environment. In other words, if you’re the least bit high-strung or in a hurry to dine and dip, it ain’t the place for you!

Kelsey’s Choice: Kels’ Blondie Bowl is her signature go-to dish, consisting of yogurt, freshly picked fruit, granola, and honey, all tossed in together for a mouth-watering breakfast delight!

Cam’s Choice: The Cam Jam Bowl (see the trend here) is a brilliant concoction of rice, beans, avocado, pico de gallo, and grilled shrimp, all layered together with a thin blanket of fresh cut mango chutney. There might be some other little goodies in there but I honestly don’t remember… Just get it and you won’t be disappointed!!

**PRO TIP: Make sure to pair either of these options with our favorite smoothie, Raw Cocoana, and make sure to ask for it with mantequilla de mani (peanut butter in spanish).

NUMERO DOSE (#2)

IL Basilico:

Located just off of Nosara’s main road (Highway 160) and just before reaching Playa Guiones, stands il Basilico – A locally owned mom-and-pop pizzeria that Kelsey and I have been privileged to watch grow exponentially throughout the years! Since my first visit nearly 8 years ago, this little Italian pizza joint has developed from a single family practically cooking out of their own home, to probably the most poppin’ go-to family restaurant and bar in the whole town!

The overall vibe at this upbeat local’s favorite is truly something special. With an outdoor cabana feel, tucked away off the main road and in to the side of the jungle (monkeys howling overhead), Il Basilico boasts one of the strongest family vibes of any place around. With a large dining area (both inside and out), a full jungle gym area for kids, and even a high energy bar for the young-adult crowd around the side, this place seems to certainly have something for everyone.

** Make sure to go on Saturday nights for live music and $10 large pizzas!!

Kelsey’s Choice: 1 Large Pesto Pizza with an ice cold Tona to drink.

Cam’s Choice: 1 Large Hawaiian Pizza with two Tona’s !

NUMERO UNO (#1)

Beach Dog Café:

Perfectly located just a few steps away from Playa Guiones main parking lot, Beach Dog Café certainly takes the prize as our favorite restaurant in Nosara! Some may say this is a fairly typical selection, and for obvious reasons… it’s the best freakin’ food in town!

Although it’s not necessarily the ‘go-to’ choice for a backpacker-budget, the food is undoubtedly worth the dime! With prices ranging from 3500 – 7500 colones (roughly $7 – $15 usd) it stands petty average amongst a typical Costa Rican outing. However, there’s nothing ‘average’ at all about this highly distinctive cuisine that Beach Dog owner, Mike, labels as “Healthy Stoner Food”.

We’ve been fortunate enough to experience Mike’s incredible nack for created a uniquely blended pallot first-hand with his seemingy infamous Pickamole – a freshly made guacamole infused with jalepeno’s and… wait for it… pickles!! Sounds absolutely disgusting – I know, but I have to admit guys, its probably one of the most incredible things I’ve ever tasted. AND I HATE PICKLES!!

All-in-all, Beach Dog Café is a highly unique, family-friendly restaurant with a laidback vibe and some mouth-watering eats. We couldn’t recommend this place enough!

“It’s pretty much like you’re eating in my living room,” says Mike. “This place is really just an extension of me.”

Cam’s Choice: For lunch, the bbq mango mini burgers. For dinner, the Cajun crusted fish over coconut Thai curry with a side of coconut brown rice.

So that concludes our Top 5 Favorite Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica! Make sure to comment below with any questions, tips or suggestions of your own, and if you haven’t already subscribed to our blog then you can do so right here!!

Until next time,

Let us live… The Wanderful Lyfe !

Top 5 Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica was last modified: May 21st, 2017 by Cameron Vaughne